Q: Why are young people so disrespectful to the elderly? They no longer hold doors open at stores for older people and don’t even bother to help seniors who are obviously disabled. I have actually admonished teens who yell at them because they take longer to check out. I have heard them abusing them with taunts of “hurry up,” “get out of the way” and “die” — this was at my local Walmart.

A: Why does this happen? Hold on because I’m about to give you the unvarnished and politically incorrect answer. It happens because some people are just trash. This condition results when they grow up without core values of decency, right and wrong, and the Golden Rule. Or when they reject those values in favor of cruelty and selfishness. Continue to do battle with them when you witness such atrocious behavior. And be very patient: one day they will be the ones straining to reach the denture cream from their electric scooters.

Q: I really like our house, and it’s almost paid for. Here’s the dilemma: I have found another home that I have absolutely fallen in love with. Hubby and I are in our 50s. Should we really consider buying it?

A: Of course you should. Live where you’ll be happiest.

Q: What’s up with all the ladies who keep getting that haircut where you have the back cut up real high, and then it slants down to the front with just some stringy strands beside their cheeks? I have not found any man yet who thinks that looks good. We call it the Chicken Butt Haircut and laugh like heck every time we see it. Would you please let them know that it’s highly unattractive?

A: Dear Mr. Arbiter of Beauty: You have an abundance of nerve but a complete absence of knowledge regarding the feminine condition. I agree that there have been many regrettable haircuts throughout history. But leave the ladies’ styles alone, and we won’t say one more thing about your mullet. Promise. Perhaps the final word should come from Mama. She says that regardless of the haircut or anything else, “beauty is just a light switch away.”

Q: How do you deal with a friend who likes to pick fights on Facebook? This is something I know a lot of people have trouble dealing with. Do you “unfriend” (if so, do you tell them you are unfriending them)? Do you hide their posts? Do you try to deal with it in person or over the phone? Do some real-life friends make lousy Facebook friends?

A: Your response should depend on how much you value the friendship and how benign or egregious the fights are. I would “unfriend” if I decided the person is someone I don’t want in my real life. I definitely wouldn’t tell them I was deleting them; instead I’d consider it good riddance. Unfortunately, some pals are not their best on Facebook, just as some buddies are terrible traveling companions or poor sports. I’d hide their posts if I thought they were stirring up a counterproductive nest of negativity. Nothing ignites and multiplies animosity, pity parties and misery faster than Facebook. Likewise, it’s a potent vehicle for humor, love, and good cheer. Use it wisely. But let’s keep all this in perspective: Genuine friends matter more than anything happening on Facebook. I couldn’t imagine elevating Facebook to the point of actually “dealing” with issues that arise there. Keep it in its place. Spend excessive energy on your social media “friends,” and you might neglect your genuine beloveds. Trust me, on your deathbed you won’t be thinking of Facebook.

Lauretta Hannon, a resident of Powder Springs, is the bestselling author of “The Cracker Queen — A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life” and a keynote speaker. Southern Living has named her “the funniest woman in Georgia.” See more at www.thecrackerqueen.com.

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